Nov. 13, 2009

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis junior Mark Payne has been named to the CollegeInsider.com Preseason Mid-Major All-America Team. The Aggie is one of 25 players, nationally, selected to the team. Payne is the only player from the Big West Conference represented on the elite list.

Payne and the Aggies open their season Friday afternoon against Colorado State in Eugene, Ore. The guard is coming off a sophomore campaign in which he was named Second-Team All-Big West. Earlier this fall, Payne was named to the Big West Media Preseason All-Big West Team. Additionally, he was named the Preseason Big West Player of the Year by the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.

Payne averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 2008-09. He also led the team in field goal percentage, assists and steals.